Rituals and offerings to The Morrighan

[Cathubodva]

Greetings.

Since the beginings of my pagan path that a connection between me and The Morrighan was established. I had several times heard her voice speaking to me, visions of Her, etc cetera. But, due to my skeptical mind, a part of me recognized the Goddess, and worked with her, yet, the rational part of me said that all of that was foolish nonsense. Therefore, for about a year or so i had no contact with the goddess at all, only praying to her once in a while, or during some ritual work without any response from what i beleave its Her.

A week ago I was in my mind eagerly trying to get some conection to the goddess again. I remembered the times when i came to her for help, the valuable lessons that she gave me, and North that she has been in my life. Suddenly, i felt very ashamed for having neglected her when He never neglected me. Im still trying to understand why, but i heard her again stating that she wanted her personal shrine. And then, a picture came to my mind of how the altar to Her should be.

Yet, there is still a question for what i had no answer. What to offer?

Since that week that i have been burning lavender incense to Her daily, but, my finances are low, and i know its not what she likes, but for the time being its the best that i can offer to Her.

Its all very strange to me. I do know that i should be the one to know what to offer her, and how to conduct a ritual to honour her. But when i search my mind, or even my soul, i find no response to this. Its like sometimes i am totally opened to talk with the Goddess and find the answers I need, and sometimes all i can feel its confusion and my vision totally clouded. I have set for myself a program of study to rediscover the Goddess again, but i would really appreciate you help if that's possible, or if you think you should offer me your two cents....

[Cu Morrigan]

Have you considered Asking Her what She wants you to offer?
Here is a couple of web pages dedicated to her, with information on Offerings:
http://inanna.virtualave.net/morrigan.html
http://www.tarot-decks.com/morrigan.htm
but Like I said Ask Her what she wants you to give.

[Fang of Loki]

Interesting post.

[mucgwyrt]

I used to work with Macha, a long while back now. I think lavendar was a good choice, but you could try something hot like cinnamon or coriander, maybe even soaked in blood left over from any meat you buy.

[Morgandria]

You can never go wrong with whiskey. She has also been known to accept dark or red beers, red wine (although I never offer it to her) and mead. She will always accept offerings of blood (menstrual works). I know she likes pine and amber incense, as well as dragon's blood - anything that's sort of heavy, and sweet. Lacking the ability to give her any of that, I give her the best of what I have in the house - the best of my hospitality.

I don't work with her sisters, or them as separate entities...just as one, The Morrigan. Offering to only one aspect of her, if you have pissed off the whole, might further the resentment she has for your treatment of her. Be aware of that.

Your best bet is really to ask her what she wants, tho. She might want something very specific from you, and you won't know unless you ask.
-M.

[Cathubodva]

thats the thing! And the reasons why i feel all of this is so strange, i mean, i asked what she wanted in the moment i saw the altar she asked, but since the altar thingy i had no more response. At all.

You mentioned wiskey, red wine (hmm a personal favorite ^_^), and menstrual blood...im sorry to ask this, but how can someone offer menstrual blood to a deity? And for how long will the drinks be in the altar, and what to do when their time is up? throw them out the window? I know this questions may seem a little silly, but im just puzzled...

[Morgandria]

Well, sometimes I make offering at her altar, and other times I do it outside at the foot of my tree. Winter, it's usually inside. I leave the offering on her altar for several hours, or sometimes overnight, before I finish it by pouring on the roots of the tree anyway. Once the Gods have taken what they want of the offering, it's not good for consumption anyway, and you can throw it away. I don't leave offerings out very long, normally, as I have 4 cats.

Some people don't like to work with menstrual blood - too messy for them, I guess, or they're squeamish...a couple things work - you can collect it by wearing one of those Keeper cups, or whatever...cloth pads work too. You can anoint candles with it, or you can soak a bit of it onto small pieces of paper and burn it in a cauldron or in a fire-proof incense dish. If it's summer you can go outside in and sit bare-assed (in a private setting, of course :p) bleeding directly onto the Earth while meditating. The latter is one of my favorite ways to offer to her.

I hope you can assemble what you need for her, and find the time to make amends.
-M.

[Cathubodva]

Thank you so much :fpraise:

[Cu Morrigan]

Well as a Guy I am going to have a hard time offering Menstrual blood (Wrong Parts) what do you suggest I use?

[Cathubodva]

your own blood...or an animals blood, or even some raw meat...

[Morgandria]

Non-menstrual blood, obviously.

I am hesitant to use animal blood, as it is not really a sacrifice unless you yourself killed the animal. Buying meat at the grocery store or butcher and using "leftover" blood just doesn't cut it, at least in my mind.

[Cathubodva]

unless its your own meat. But i dont see no problem in buying it for her, and offer. Anyway, its his call ^^

[Mab]

I offer her red wine. In my nightly mini-rituals, I offer her cinnamon spice incense. The things that tend to remind me of sensual, slightly masculine traits or battle-related things.

[Fang of Loki]

Blood offerings are all that bad. I've given blood offerings to Lord Taranis many times, he seems to respond to them the best.

[Morrighan61]

IMHO, warm, dark scents seem to suit the Morrighan best. I usually mix carnation, cinnamon, and clove with some smoky wood base, like red sandalwood. She has an almost masculine energy in some ways and scents that are more oriental and less traditonally floral seem to be appropriate. She's also an aspect of the sea Goddesses, like Morgan, and Meri so sometimes I go down to the beach or waterfront to work with Her. (The term "Morgantine" for instance which is a sea-faring term comes from Her.)

Morrighan

[Morr]

I, unfortunately have neglected The Morrigan and my other Gods, due to stress and other issues I've been having. One thing I didnt stop doing is nightly prayers to her.

But she never left me or resented me. Her crows are still always around me. And she sometimes comes to me in dreams or visions.

With all her pride I think she understands, and isnt that vengeful towards those who have dedicated themselves to her. Unless youre disrespecting her on purpose - I dont think she'll kick your ass all to much.

Anyways, I have a bunch of Cinnamon Incense. She seems to respond so well to that. Sometimes I light Sandalwood Incense as well. Red wine is always good, I find that she likes sweets as well (chocolate, cookies). I usually offer her the food, then say my prayers & meditate a bit. When I'm done I take a small bite/sip and then I leave the rest outside.

Sometimes I even just light a candle for her (or a different God). I find that they like it when you light a candle on your altar which is dedicated soley to them.